Burning medals by war veterans an insult to nation : Manohar Parrikar

CHENNAI: Attempts by war veterans to burn their medals as a protest to the “One Rank, One Pension” (OROP) scheme is an insult to the nation and the armed forces, defence minister Manohar Parrikar said on Friday.

Parrikar was at INS Rajali in Arakonam, around 70 km from here, to dedicate the P8i aircraft to the nation.

The induction of the long-range maritime patrol P8i aircraft will enable the Indian Navy to undertake extensive surveillance and swift action, he stressed.

Parrikar told reporters medals were recognition for the sacrifice made by the armed forces and not connected with the service conditions.

He said those aggrieved by the scheme notified by the government can put their demands before the judicial commission, which has been formed to review the OROP scheme’s shortfalls.

Parrikar flew in to INS Rajali, a premier naval air station, aboard a P8i from Port Blair in the morning.

During the flight, Parrikar was given an exposure to various sensors and other sophisticated state-of-the-art equipment on board and their capabilities.

He said the aircraft would provide the Indian Navy the necessary reach and flexibility to undertake extensive surveillance as also to respond swiftly and effectively to contingencies in the country’s areas of interest.

According to him, even in the short phase of trials and testing, the P8i aircraft had achieved a number of operational milestones which include participation in the search effort for Malaysian Airlines Flight MH 370, the first successful firing of air-launched Harpoon Block II missile in the world, torpedo firing and active participation in major naval exercises.